Celebrating 27 years

Walks

A stroll through and around Randwick town centre is a pleasurable experience, whether for fitness or to unwind the stress in your life. Visitors will come upon many of the grand old terrace houses, churches, cemeteries, parks and other historic buildings that remain in the area today.

One can begin at The Spot on Perouse Road, a special location with trendy cafes, bakeries, restaurants catering to anything the taste buds desire and the iconic Ritz Cinema. Start walking north towards Randwick town centre, passing The Royal Hotel – built in 1887 and classified by The National Trust as having historical significance. Pause for a while in High Cross Reserve and admire the beautiful historic building fronting Avoca Street, that is the former Destitute Children ‘s Asylum, one of the oldest buildings in Randwick, being built in 1856 from local sandstone.

Veer right into Avoca Street and in the next few blocks take in the sights of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Coach & Horses Hotel, established around 1859 and still existing on its original land plot, St Judes Anglican Church with its beautiful sandstone structures set amongst a cottage garden atmosphere and the Easts House historic Post Office – built in 1887 and still in use today.

Turning left into Frances Street you can walk through St Judes Cemetery, the resting place of Florence M.Wolter, great grand-daughter of Captain James Cook, the English explorer credited with have discovered Australia. You will also pass Randwick Town Hall and Alison Park.

Make another left turn into Church Street then left into Alison Road. When you arrive at Belmore Road, turn left and the choice is yours to reward yourself with a cool drink from a selection of shops and cafes that include Randwick Shopping Mall and Randwick Plaza as well as restaurants offering Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese food. Similarly, continue on until the end of Belmore Road where a short rest in High Cross Park will allow you to catch your breath and think upon the history that makes Randwick what it is today. Happy walking!

Estimated walking time: 45 minutes

The Spot

Situated at the intersection of Perouse Road and St Paul ‘s Street in Randwick, The Spot is a charming shopping precinct with a village feel that allows for a convenient relaxed outing that walks you past every shop in the compact centre. Within The Spot there is a variety of stores that cater to basic needs such as a grocer, newsagent, hairdresser and beauty shops, pharmacy, post office and a bottle shop. There are also specialty stores including picture framing, gifts, dentists, a book shop, dance studio and aquarium and for the ultimate purchase a funeral director.

While in the area you are bound to be tempted into one of the 25 restaurants and cafes, some with al-fresco dining, serving many different cuisines or for some of the delicious cakes like those found at Spot On Cakes (9398 2198). A choice of ice creams from Sugarplum will help keep the hunger pains at bay. A feature of The Spot and a major drawcard to the centre is the Ritz Cinema – a Randwick icon built in 1937 using art deco architecture and still in operation today with six screens showing latest release movies. Check the program board for titles and times or find http://www.ritzcinema.com.au on the net for your next cinema outing.

Estimated walking time: 30 minutes, add however long you need to enjoy a meal or take in a movie.

Maroubra Junction

You will be well rewarded if you should choose to spend an hour or so exploring the lively locality at the intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road. Maroubra Junction is one of Randwick’s busy retail and commercial centres. The streets are wide and attractively landscaped and movement along the wide footpaths is easy and uncluttered.

The wide median strip of Anzac parade accommodates public areas with attractive landscaping and also considerable parking spaces. A public toilet is available.

Maroubra Junction is a bustling shopping centre yet spacious with wide pathways and ample parking both on-street and in the major shopping plaza, Pacific Square. The centre is well served by buses with routes to the city, Burwood, Eastgardens and Bondi Junction.

Independent ‘family style ‘ retail stores are in abundance offering excellent value on quality products and a range of services are available including post office and several banks. The Bowen Library, a major municipal facility is located on Anzac Parade at the north end of the ‘Junction ‘ offering a wide range of services and activities for all ages.

The choice of food and beverage outlets scattered throughout Maroubra Junction is as good as anywhere in Sydney catering to every level of preference from fine dining to popular fast food. Enjoy!

Estimated walking time: 45 minutes

Kensington

When walking through Kensington town centre, one will be pleasantly surprised by the food and shopping outlets that are available as well as the renowned facilities and parks that exist in areas adjoining the shopping precinct.

By starting your walk at The Doncaster Hotel on Anzac Parade you can choose to head south along Anzac Parade and visit The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and admire the grand architecture that is associated with university campuses. Or, cross to the other side of Anzac Parade and admire The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), building that won the prestigious Sulman Prize for public architecture in 2002 and is world renowned for graduating stars in the performing arts such as Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and Baz Luhrmann. During the day, visitors can join a group tour of the college to see the facilities and learn about its history and current events.

Royal Randwick Race Course is situated just a short walk to the east of the shopping centre and across the road from UNSW. On race days the track becomes one of the most vibrant venues in Sydney with fashion and socialising being just as popular as the racing itself. Early risers can admire the racehorses doing their daily trackwork.

Following Anzac Parade north from the Doncaster hotel one comes into the heart of the long established suburb. This busy thoroughfare houses a variety of stores offering a range goods and services from around the world. Peters of Kensington is a three-storey department store where the choices seem almost endless.

Continuing north along the wide boulevard that is Anzac Parade one reaches Alison Road from where entry can be gained to Centennial Park, a delightful open space of some — hectares accommodating a full range of leisure and recreational pursuits.

Estimated walking time: 1 hour

Matraville

Matraville Town Centre spreads itself for about three hundred metres along Bunnerong Road from the intersection at Beauchamp Road. The town services the surrounding residential area as well as the industrial zones that are west and south of the centre. Port Botany, Australia’s busiest container port is just three kilometres to the south.

There is a relaxed feel to this suburban centre. While there are no large scale retail outlets, a complete range of small family-oriented businesses cater for most needs and adequate on street parking is available.

A stroll along the shopping strip will reveal cafes in abundance, gift shops that sell at bargain prices and a range of service businesses. Friendly, personalised service is the order of the day in the Matraville shops.

There are two wonderful parks located in Matraville, Heffron Park and Franklin Park. Heffron Park can be found 350 metres north of Matraville town centre, on Bunnerong Road. Franklin Park is situated in Franklin Street 500 metres from the southern end of Matraville town centre.

Estimated walking time: 45 minutes

Kingsford

Walking through Kingsford town centre is the perfect opportunity to explore the range of shops, restaurants and cafes that this eclectic hub has to offer.

Situated on Anzac Parade, your walk can begin at the Kingsford roundabout, surrounded by the Churchill ‘s Inn, seafood and fruit markets and the Sinma Laksa at 391 restaurant.

If you are out for a short walk, located 50 metres southwest from the roundabout, is a beautiful park flanked by a quaint set of shops with gorgeous facades, the perfect place to relax and have a drink.

The second option is to walk in a southerly direction along Anzac Parade to the South Juniors social club which provides a variety of activities that include a gymnasium and indoor heated swimming pool as well as fully licensed restaurants, bars, gaming rooms and regular live entertainment.

Another option is to walk in a north from the roundabout along Anzac Parade until you reach The University of New South Wales (UNSW), if you ‘re still abundant with energy try walking through the university itself and admire the special architecture that is associated with university campuses. Or cross over onto the other side of Anzac Parade and marvel at The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), the NIDA building won the prestigious Sulman Prize for public architecture in 2002 and is world renowned for graduating stars in the performing arts such as Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and Baz Luhrmann. During the day, visitors can join a group tour of the college to see the facilities and learn about its history and current events. For details, contact NIDA on 02 9697 7600.

Estimated walking time : 45 minutes

Randwick

Taking a walk through Randwick town centre is a most pleasurable experience. Whether for fitness or to unwind, one will inevitably walk past many of the grand old terrace houses, churches, cemeteries, parks and other historic buildings that remain in the area today.

Beginning at The Spot on Perouse Road a picturesque location containing trendy cafes, bakeries, restaurants catering to anything the taste buds desire and the famous Ritz Cinema, start by walking towards Randwick town centre, passing The Royal Hotel – built in 1887 and classified by The National Trust as having historical significance, pass High Cross Reserve and the former Destitute Children ‘s Asylum, one of the oldest buildings in Randwick, being built in 1856 from local sandstone.

Veer right into Avoca Street and take in the sights of the Coach & Horses Hotel, established around 1859 and still existing on its original land plot, St Judes Anglican Church with its beautiful sandstone structures set amongst a cottage garden atmosphere and the Easts House Historic Post Office – built in 1887 and still in operation today.

Turning left into Frances Street will walk you past St Judes Cemetery, the resting place of Florence.M.Wolter, great grand-daughter of Captain James Cook, the first modern explorer to discover Australia, you will also pass Randwick Town Hall and Alison Park. Make another left turn into Church Street then left onto Alison Road.

When you arrive at Belmore Road, turn right and the choice is yours to reward yourself with a cool drink from a selection of shops and cafes that include Randwick Shopping Mall and Randwick Plaza as well as restaurants such as Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese. Similarly, continue on until the end of Belmore Road and rest your legs back at The Spot. Happy walking!

Estimated walking time: 45 minutes

The Spot

Situated at the intersection of Perouse Road and St Paul ‘s Street in Randwick, The Spot is a charming shopping district with a village feel that provides a convenient relaxed outing that walks you past every shop in the precinct. Within The Spot there are a variety of stores that cater to all your basic needs such as a butcher, grocer, hairdresser, pharmacy, post office and a bottle shop. There are also specialty stores including picture framing, a book shop, dance studio and aquarium.

Whilst walking, one will notice the 25 restaurants and cafes serving many different cuisines, delicious cakes like those found at Spot On Cakes (9398 2198) and the famous Ritz Cinema – built in 1937 using art deco architecture and still in operation today.

Estimated walking time: 30 minutes

Maroubra Junction

Walking around Maroubra Junction is a great way to exercise your legs and see what this lively locality has to offer. Located at the intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, Maroubra Junction is a bustling shopping centre yet spacious with wide pathways and ample parking. There are also beautiful public areas decorated with gardens situated on the medium strip of Anzac Parade, toilets are provided as well.

Services are extremely well catered for, providing banking and transport needs. Stop by the Bowen Library, located at the north end of the ‘Junction ‘ and experience a wide range of activities offered to all ages.

The choices of food and beverage outlets are as good as anywhere in Sydney catering to every level of preference from fine dining to popular fast food. Enjoy!

Estimated walking time: 45 minutes

Kensington

When walking through Kensington town centre, one will be pleasantly surprised by the food and shopping outlets that are available as well as the famous venues and parks that exist around the area.

By starting your walk at The Doncaster Hotel on Anzac Parade you can choose to head south down Anzac Parade and see The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and admire the grand architecture that is always associated with university campuses. Or cross over onto the other side of Anzac Parade and marvel at The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), the NIDA building won the prestigious Sulman Prize for public architecture in 2002 and is world renowned for graduating stars in the performing arts such as Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and Baz Luhrmann. During the day, visitors can join a group tour of the college to see the facilities and learn about its history and current events.

Randwick Race Course is situated opposite both NIDA and UNSW, on race days the track becomes one of the most vibrant venues in Sydney with fashion and socialising being just as popular as the racing itself.

An alternative route is to walk north up Anzac Parade into the heart of Kensington, this busy thoroughfare has a variety of stores offering a range goods and services from around the world, for example Peters of Kensington is a three floor department store where the choices almost feel like they ‘re endless.

Continue walking up Anzac Parade until you get to the intersection of Alison Road and Dacey Avenue, from here you can explore Sydney ‘s world famous Centennial Park on the right hand side of Anzac Parade.